Happiness Key: Alice’s Story, Part One
When Happiness Key was still just an idea, I had a fantasy about writing the novel completely in first person, using the viewpoints of all four major characters. I love first person, use it exclusively in my mystery series, and would love to use it in my other novels. But once I started the character sketches…
Read MoreHappiness Key: Wanda’s Story, Part Three
This week we’ve been peeking into Wanda’s background. Wanda is one of the four women of Happiness Key, and she’s a character in more ways than one. In the end, any day I had to write a scene from Wanda’s point of view was a good day. It still is, since she appears in Fortunate Harbor, the…
Read MoreHappiness Key: Wanda’s Story, Part Two
Welcome to the second peek at Wanda, one of the four women of Happiness Key, my latest novel from Mira Books. Wanda was the character I thought I’d have the most trouble writing about. Each woman in the story is very different, and I suspected Wanda might be hardest to get to know. But that…
Read MoreHappiness Key: Wanda’s Story, Part One
Welcome to the on-going peek at the characters in my new novel Happiness Key. If this is your first visit? Before I began work on the book, I did a first person character study for each of my four main characters. I’m sharing excerpts from those here, to help you become better acquainted with Tracy,…
Read MoreHappiness Key: Janya’s Story, Part Three
Not tired of contests yet? I promised a link to the newest one at Fresh Fiction, of which Happiness Key is a part. You can find it and me right here. And to end the week, the last part of Janya’s story. To the delight of my parents and to my own great joy, Darshan asked…
Read MoreHappiness Key: Janya’s Story, Part Two
In an exploration of the background of the characters of Happiness Key, I’m sharing Janya’s story this week. Remember, my publisher is offering a coupon good all month: Here’s part two. Darshan was, on first sight, the end of all my childish dreams of a lover and husband. He was better than any dream, the…
Read MoreHappiness Key: Janya’s Story, Part One
Before we launch into Janya’s story, I have another special link. Diane Chamberlain, who was interviewed here recently, interviewed me. You can find that interview this morning right here. Enjoy. By now you probably know that Happiness Key, now available in your favorite bookstore, has four major characters. Last week we heard from Tracy. This…
Read MoreWe Interrupt This Happiness Blog for Thanks, Laughs and Links
So many of you have commented here for my “Happiness” contest, sixty-five yesterday in fact. I wish I could respond to each of you. Some of you are going through difficult times, still managing to be happy amidst the chaos. Some have trials ahead, but are still–forgive the cliche–stopping to smell the roses. Many of you thanked…
Read MoreWho Says You Can’t Buy Happiness? Coupons R Us
Bargains R Us. I’m always delighted with a bargain. I love Ebay. I regularly salivate over reduced yarn and fabric I really don’t need, as well as the colorful emails that announce them. When I can’t shop locally I love online bookstores, where I can combine orders to qualify for free shipping, especially in these tumultuous economic times. Last…
Read MoreHappiness Key: Tracy’s Story, Part Three
And here’s the final portion of Tracy’s story. Next week, Janya’s turn! Tracy’s Story, Part Three I have asked myself a time or two if I would have ditched CJ so fast if I’d really loved him. This is a back-asswards way to figure out if you love somebody, but I think love had too…
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